Adjustable bed

An adjustable bed is a bed which has a multi-hinged lying surface which can be profiled to a number of different positions.cite book |author=Pamela J. Carter |authorlink= |editor= |others= |title=Lippincott's Textbook for Nursing Assistants: A Humanistic Approach to Caregiving (Point (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)) |edition= |language= |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |location=Hagerstown, MD |year=2007 |origyear= |pages= p252|quote= |isbn=0-7817-6685-0 |oclc= |doi= |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=8AoJ-DZwEHwC&pg=PA252&dq=%22Adjustable+bed%22&lr=&as_brr=3&ei=THZxSPfPLZCwswOcv9GoBg&sig=ACfU3U2uCbUveEHy82z7ZWbtqJDr3BakDg|accessdate=] Common adjustment includes inclining the upper body and raising the lower body independently of each other. Other common features include height adjustment and tilting the bed to raise the upper body or the lower body into the Anti-Trendelenburg/ Trendelenburg positions.cite book |author=Timby, Barbara Kuhn |authorlink= |editor= |others= |title=Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts |edition= |language= |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |location=Hagerstown, MD |year=2008 |origyear= |pages= p522|quote= |isbn=0-7817-7909-X |oclc= |doi= |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=M4HwH5IxfToC&pg=RA1-PA522&dq=%22Adjustable+bed%22+Trendelenburg&lr=&as_brr=3&ei=nHZxSJnoA4PcswPgr7GZDg&sig=ACfU3U1kK5ImraJEVTlfb11MPQJ9mgRnfA#PRA1-PA522,M1|accessdate=]

Adjustable beds have been used in hospitals for a long time, but have become more commonly used in homecare over the past three decades, as they have been found to provide relief from various conditions. Adjustable beds used in hospitals and homecare are similar in basic functionality, however hospital beds must be able to withstand more rigorous and regular cleaning in order to reduce contamination and therefore any electrical bed components used in the hospital environment need to meet minimum waterproofing standards in order to withstand the cleaning process. Homecare beds are less likely to be subjected to such intense cleaning, even if used within a care home, and this allows manufacturers to design beds whose aesthetics match home furnishings by using divan style beds or by using wooden veneer and laminates.

In the UK, adjustable beds sold for homecare compliant with the BS EN1970 standard are exempt from VAT (sales tax) if used by a person who declares themselves as disabled.cite web |url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Disabledpeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10028495 |title=VAT relief on products and services for disabled people : Directgov - Disabled people |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= |accessdate=2008-07-06]

The increased popularity of motorised adjustable beds for homecare is also partly due to the benefits provided to the carer, by allowing them to work at a comfortable height and reduce the risk of back injuries. Height adjustment and raising the upper body also assists users in getting out of bed with little or no assistance dependent on their condition.

In Europe, all adjustable beds for use within healthcare must be CE marked and also be compliant with EN1970. cite web |url=http://www.standardsdirect.org/standards/standards1/StandardsCatalogue24_view_12557.html |title=BS EN 1970:2000 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= |accessdate=2008-07-06]

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